Da Nang FC clinched the final ticket to the 2025-2026 V.League season after a 2-0 victory over Binh Phuoc in the decisive play-off match held at Thong Nhat Stadium on the evening of June 27.
While the match was just a promotion-relegation playoff to most fans, for Binh Phuoc supporters, it was seen as a historic opportunity. The game not only carried the significance of a place in the top flight but also featured enticing financial incentives promised by club executives for victory.
Due to its importance, the match was officiated by Malaysian referees Razlan Ali and Muhammad Jamal, with VAR in use. Held at a neutral venue in Ho Chi Minh City, the match drew nearly 10,000 Binh Phuoc fans.
The encounter also marked a dramatic reunion between two of Vietnam’s most notable football figures over the past decade—striker Nguyen Cong Phuong and goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung. The match ultimately hinged on a crucial moment between the two in the second half.
In the 76th minute, Binh Phuoc were awarded a penalty after Nguyen Duc Anh fouled Luu Tu Nhan in the box. However, Cong Phuong’s effort to the bottom right corner was brilliantly saved by Bui Tien Dung, shifting the momentum firmly in Da Nang’s favor. The save echoed painful memories of Phuong’s missed penalty against Thailand in the 2017 SEA Games.
Just minutes earlier, Pham Dinh Duy had put Da Nang ahead. He latched onto a long ball from Phan Van Long, beat the offside trap, rounded Bui Tan Truong, and slotted home. VAR reviewed the play for over five minutes before confirming the goal.
In the 82nd minute, Da Nang doubled their lead through a lightning-fast counterattack. Substitute Ha Minh Tuan broke clear, firing a low shot that deflected off a Binh Phuoc defender and left Tan Truong helpless. As the ball hit the net, Cong Phuong stood motionless near midfield, reflecting the emotional weight of the missed penalty.
Despite a high-intensity press throughout the second half, Binh Phuoc could not recover from the two-goal deficit. Notable chances included Sy Giap’s header off the crossbar and a close-range effort stopped by Bui Tien Dung late in the first half.
Binh Phuoc had entered the match with high hopes, boasting several experienced V.League players like Cong Phuong, Tan Truong, and Ho Tuan Tai. But in the end, Da Nang’s resilience and composure prevailed. The Central Vietnam side, once rooted to the bottom of the table after 19 rounds, managed a dramatic turnaround to stay in the top division.
For Binh Phuoc, the dream of promotion will have to wait. Club President Pham Huong Son, visibly disappointed, visited the players post-match to offer encouragement and express hope for a future V.League berth. The team now turns its attention to the 2025-2026 V.League 2 season, where they will face strong competition from clubs like Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and PVF-CAND. Reinforcements including Tran Minh Vuong and Luong Xuan Truong are expected to strengthen the squad for another promotion push.
This result continues the dominance of V.League teams in play-off scenarios, with top-tier clubs now having won 10 of 13 such matches. The last time a V.League 2 team triumphed was in 2014 when Can Tho defeated An Giang 3-0.
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